Item 01: James William Dains diary, 21 November 1916-4 June 1917 - Page 48

[Page 48]

rifle & bayonet from him & bayoneted him. Our casualties were about 15. I don't think any were killed. The report is that he raided with 50 men & was badly cut up by our barrage.
Today the A.M.C. have been preparing for a big stunt to come off in a day or two. It will be the biggest on our front so far, we expect a big bombardment to commence tonight.
I have arranged a church parade for tomorrow (Sat.) as the Bn. goes in on Sunday. The War loan is described as a success, no less than £720,000,000 being new money.

Saturday 24th
Went to Houplines. I had one service in C Corp. Billet, a brewery. We had about 200 men & it was a good service, then at 3 oclock I had a service in a factory with A & B. There were very few from B Coy., the Company had gone for a hot bath & as cleanliness is next etc., so they